There are so-called “closed” cities on the territory of Russia. Basically, these are objects of special status and important state significance, which work for Roskosmos, Rosatom and the Russian Ministry of Defense. These cities are guarded by military units and surrounded by barbed wire. What is hidden behind the gates of these mysterious places and how many are there in Russia?
What are closed cities?
ZATO, or closed territorial-administrative formations, are located in Russia in the amount of 42 objects. It is impossible to enter their territory without a special pass - usually it is issued to those who have close relatives in a closed city. Also, a pass can be obtained by people who find a job in it or who have married one of the local residents / residents.
The reason for the closed nature of such cities is that there are objects of secret importance and important industrial enterprises on their territory.
You can get to the closed cities not only with a pass. In some ZATOs, sports and cultural events are periodically organized, the participants and guests of which are people from the “outside world”. Those unlucky enough to be officially invited enter closed cities through holes in fences or bypassing secret paths. However, if the violator of the city border is caught, he will be issued an administrative fine and an escort back to the fence.
The most interesting closed cities
In Russia, certain objects are considered the most interesting closed cities. So, Zheleznogorsk in the Krasnoyarsk Territory is known for its enterprises for the production of weapons-grade plutonium and satellite systems, as well as for its practically untouched natural landscape. The city of Zelenogorsk is also located there, where low-enriched uranium is produced. Zelenogorsk residents boast green cityscapes, a cadet corps for boys and girls, and a Museum of Military Glory.
Most of the closed cities are built in the Soviet style of dullness and austerity, but exceptions like Zelenogorsk are still found.
In the Astrakhan region there is ZATO Znamensk - the administrative and residential center of a military training ground where Soviet ballistic missiles were tested. It is often visited by excursions of schoolchildren and students from neighboring settlements. In the Sverdlovsk region, you can visit the city of Lesnoy, where there are ecological and historical museums. The Arkhangelsk region is known for its ZATO Mirny, on the territory of which the first state cosmodrome is located. And finally, in the Chelyabinsk region is the city of Snezhinsk, known for its Russian Federal Nuclear Center, ski resort and rumors of giant tunnels under the surface of the city.
